A FREE course to support people with mental health conditions, is coming to the Isle of Wight.
To coincide with World Mental Health Day today (Wednesday), Expert Patients Programme Community Interest Company (EPPCIC) is offering the 'New Beginnings’ course, aimed at people living with, or in recovery from, mental health conditions.
Rachel Hatcher, contract manager at EPPCIC, said: "There are many triggers for the onset of a mental health condition, they can take many forms such as depression or personality disorders, and affect people in different ways.
"The course is delivered in a structured group approach which aids individual growth and allows guided open discussion, peer support and helps participants learn how to deal effectively with the challenges they may face in the course of their daily lives."
An Islander, with borderline personality disorder who attended a New Beginnings course in August 2012, said: "To be able to discuss things about my condition in a safe place was great, there is a lot of stigma so I can’t speak to family or friends, it’s the first time I have been able to speak freely about it.
"I found the course really positive, the people that run it are very understanding as they have their own issues, they have a real-life understanding of our conditions, emotions and frustrations."
The course will look at a number of areas including problem solving and goal setting, confidence building, anxiety and depression management, trigger and relapse symptom awareness, positive thinking, relaxation techniques, lifestyle, communication skills and planning for the future.
It starts next Wednesday at Northwood House, Cowes. For more information or to register, call 0800 988 5560, email get.info@eppcic.co.uk or visit www.expertpatients.co.uk